The NGO Federation of Nepal held a dialogue on Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) with constitutional commissions and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Kathmandu on 21 June 2024. Hon. Mr. Surya Prasad Sharma Dhungel, acting chair and member of the National Human Rights Commission was present as a chief guest. Other distinguished guests included representatives from various commissions such as the National Women Commission, National Human Rights Commission, Election Commission, Tharu Commission, Dalit Commission, Inclusion Commission, and Indigenous Nationalities Commission, along Mr. Shiva Bhandari from the Delegation of the European Commission to Nepal. Mr. SP Kalaunee, chairperson of Association of International NGOs (AIN) was also present in the event. The program was chaired by Mr. Ram Prasad Subedi, president of the NGO Federation of Nepal, and hosted by Mr. Arjun Bhattarai, General Secretary of NFN. The main objective of the program was to discuss gender policies, provisions, and practices of the constitutional commissions and to enhance gender equality and inclusion through better coordination with CSOs. Ms. Bhawana Bhatta, Vice-Chairperson of the NGO Federation of Nepal, opened the event with a warm welcome and presented the program's objectives. She emphasized the importance of incorporating Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) into the framework and operations of constitutional commissions and how it is essential for fostering an inclusive society and ensuring that the rights of marginalized groups are properly addressed. Prof. Dr. Bipin Adhikari, a legal expert, presented on the constitutional mandates of the commissions regarding GESI and highlighted the need for improved coordination with CSOs. He pointed out the under-implementation of Article 42 (1) of the constitution on the Right to Social Justice and clarified misconceptions about the commissions being federal rather than national entities. Hon. Ms. Bishnu Maya Ojha, acting chairperson of the Inclusion Commission, addressed public misunderstandings about the commission's stance on reservation. Hon. Mr. Ram Bahadur Thapa Magar, chairperson of the Indigenous Nationalities Commission, acknowledged the crucial role of CSOs in establishing these commissions. Mr. Murari Prasad Kharel, Secretary of The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) elaborated on NHRC's GESI policy established in 2077 B.S., and Hon. Ms. Kamala Parajuli, chairperson of the National Women's Commission, emphasized the need for stronger GESI integration in the commissions. During the discussion session, facilitated by Ms. Nanimaya Thapa, Treasurer of the NGO Federation of Nepal, representatives from Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) voiced their concerns about the urgent need for GESI policies in all commissions. They also emphasized the importance of enhanced coordination between the commissions. The chief guest Hon. Mr. Dhungel highlighted the importance of stronger coordination between CSOs and constitutional commissions whereas Mr. Ram Prasad Subedi concluded the program, noting the ongoing but insufficient efforts towards GESI within the commissions and calling for a greater campaign to address these issues.
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